Murkomen begins tour of the Coast amid insecurity concerns

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is scheduled to begin a week-long tour of the coastal region to assess the current security situation.

The visit aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing efforts in maintaining peace and safety within the region.

During his tour, Murkomen will focus on security operations targeting criminal gangs, including the notorious Panga Boys, as well as operatives affiliated with Al Shabaab.

The visit comes in the wake of unconfirmed reports that five chiefs abducted by suspected Al Shabaab militia in early February in Elwak Town, Mandera County, have been released.

The reports, however, say the chiefs remain in Somalia, where they had been held hostage for nearly two months.

Murkomen will also assess the region's preparedness for disasters, particularly in the context of climate change.

This includes evaluating local responses to environmental challenges and ensuring that proper measures are in place to mitigate potential risks.

In the last two weeks, law enforcement agencies have made significant progress in curbing criminal activities.

More than 150 individuals suspected to be members of the Panga Boys gang, involved in attacks across Mombasa and Diani, have been arrested.

Additionally, two suspected Al Shabaab terrorists were detained.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that one of the suspects is a former convict with known links to terror cells in Somalia and Tanzania.

Murkomen is set to visit Lamu, a region where Al Shabaab terrorists recently camped and conducted meetings with locals just two weeks ago.

Over the course of his tour, he will visit all six coastal counties, engaging with local leaders, security teams, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), and peace committees.

The focus will be on discussing strategies to improve security, foster peace, and enhance community cohesion.

In addition to security concerns, the CS will assess the region’s disaster preparedness in light of increasing climate change-induced extreme weather events.

He will also seek feedback from citizens regarding their satisfaction with public services.

Murkomen plans to interact with security personnel stationed on the front lines against land and maritime threats and will conduct a spot check on the rollout of mobile ID registration.